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Imagine a group of retirees who live at a relatively leisurely pace every day, but some of them may be troubled by heart problems. What you may not know is that these heart problems are inextricably linked to the quality of their sleep.
We need to understand the fundamental link between heart health and sleep. The heart and sleep affect each other, on the one hand, a good night's sleep can help the heart rest and recover, reducing the risk of heart disease.
On the other hand, poor heart condition can also affect the quality of sleep, such as irregular heartbeat, heart pain and other problems can make it difficult for people to sleep at night. So, specifically, what are some of the sleep signs that might suggest a heart problem?
Many elderly people with unhealthy hearts may experience apnea at night, which is a manifestation of sleep apnea syndrome.
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Also, nocturnal palpitations that occur in the absence of dreams or changes in body position are likely to be related to a heart condition, especially if accompanied by transient dyspnea.
Although older people generally sleep lightly, if an older person wakes up unusually often each night and feels chest tightness or difficulty breathing after waking each time, it may be a sign of heart failure.
When the heart function is insufficient, the body may increase the workload of the heart at night in order to maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply, resulting in sleep disruption.
In addition to this, the sleeping location may also reflect heart health. Some elderly people with poor heart conditions find that they are unable to fall asleep in a fully flat state because this position puts a strain on the heart and makes it difficult to breathe.
If a person has to sleep with multiple pillows to support their upper body for comfort, or can only fall asleep in a semi-sitting position, this can be a sign that the heart is not pumping blood enough.
Through several examples of imaginary old people, we can see that these signs of sleep can be a warning of heart problems. Although these symptoms may vary from person to person, it is important to understand and pay attention to these symptoms to maintain heart health.
As you age, there may be some changes in the quality and pattern of your sleep that may suggest a healthy heart condition.
First, an important sign is frequent angina at night. For example, an elderly person may describe that he is often awakened during the night by a pressing or burning chest pain that may last for several minutes until relieved by a change of position or a short rest.
Second, there is the association between sleep disruption and atrial fibrillation. This condition may be more pronounced at night because atrial fibrillation can interfere with sleep by causing an unusually strong or irregular heartbeat.
We can imagine an elderly person who may report feeling as if his heart is "beating wildly" during the night, a feeling that is not only disturbing, but can also lead to repeated awakenings.
Thirdly, extreme fatigue during sleep and daytime sleepiness.
This may seem unrelated to the heart, but in reality, if a person still feels exhausted after getting enough sleep or is often unable to stay awake during the day, it could be a sign that the heart is not pumping blood enough.
Fourth, it is important to pay attention to leg pain or discomfort during sleep. While many people may blame leg discomfort on daily activities or muscle problems, in some cases, it can be directly related to heart health.
For example, decreased heart function can lead to poor blood circulation in the lower extremities, especially at night, when the body is placed horizontally, and the pressure of blood backflow to the heart increases, which can cause leg pain or cramps.
If an older person begins to experience difficulty falling asleep, or has difficulty falling back asleep after waking up during the night, this may be a normal response to psychological stress or environmental factors, but it could also be a sign of a change in heart condition.
Persistent changes in sleep patterns may be associated with increased cardiac stress, especially in the absence of significant external stress, and should be of high concern.
Through these examples, we can see that abnormal signs in sleep can actually be a hidden warning of a heart problem. The observation and correct interpretation of these signs is essential to prevent the development of heart disease.
In the discussion of how to maintain heart health by improving sleep habits, we need to start from some less obvious angles that, while simple, may have an unexpected positive impact on heart health in older adults.
A quiet environment can reduce sleep disruptions, while proper temperature and light levels can help regulate the body's biological clock, which can promote deep sleep.
For example, a regular sleep pattern may help reduce the risk of sudden heart events caused by irregular heart rhythms.
A light dinner with a warm glass of milk or decaf tea may help promote a better night's sleep. A good night's sleep can help the heart rest and recover, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
In addition, a moderate amount of evening activity is also important. Not only does activity help the body relax, but it also increases the efficiency of the heart, further lowering the nighttime heart rate and reducing the risk of heart disease.
For older adults who experience chronic insomnia, it may be necessary to use some sleep aids recommended by their doctor.
These can be music therapy, aromatherapy, or a light bedtime massage, all of which can help relieve stress and improve sleep quality.
Ensuring that your bedroom is well ventilated and that you maintain the right humidity and temperature are also key factors in ensuring a good night's sleep, which can help you get a good night's sleep and thus benefit your heart health.
In addition, the importance of psychological and emotional management should be taken into account. Psychological stress and anxiety not only affect sleep quality, but can also have adverse effects on heart health.
Implementing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle yoga practices, can help relieve tension and improve sleep before bed, which can help with heart health.
Through these specific initiatives, we can not only help seniors improve their sleep quality, but also protect their heart health to a certain extent.
What do you think about the heart? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!
Resources
[1] Ai Luoyan. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of adverse cardiac reactions associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and management strategies, Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020-12-24